Japan Topix index fell, halting a two-day gain, as the yen held its strength against the dollar before a highly anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Banks and electronics makers slumped after the yen rose 0.2 percent versus the greenback on Monday. Trump said on Twitter that China and Russia are playing what he called a œcurrency devaluation game, which he called unacceptable. Trump will meet with Abe this week to discuss North Korea and a U.S. decision to levy tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum exports.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average was little changed after rising by 0.3 percent. Its volatility dropped for a seventh day, reaching its lowest since February.

Topix index -0.2% to 1,732.39 at the close of the morning session, after advancing 0.1% earlier. Nikkei 225 index little changed at 21,837.39.

China Stocks Lower At Close Of Trade; Shanghai Composite Down 1.05%

Wednesday, 19 December 2018 14:52 WIB
China stocks were lower after the close on Wednesday, as losses in the Oil Equipment Services & Distribution, Software & Computer Services and Technology sectors led shares lower.
At the close in Shanghai, the Shanghai Composite lost 1.05%...